Cocaine suspect flees Perth Airport Border Force officers

Man runs from AFP, Border Force at Perth Airport

VideoA 36-year-old US national has been charged with importing cocaine after he ran from an examination area through Perth Airport.

BORDER Force officers had to chase a man through Perth Airport on Tuesday when he bolted after his baggage returned a positive test for cocaine.

The 36-year-old US national fled an examination area and ran through the airport arrivals hall before he was located by Border Force and Australian Federal Police officers hiding in bushes near the taxi rank, thanks to help from members of the public.

The man, who had arrived in Perth from Brazil, via Dubai, has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of cocaine.

Camera IconBottles found in the man’s luggage allegedly contained cocaine.Picture: Australian Border Force

“I also want to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of the two ABF and two AFP officers who pursued and captured the man as he tried to escape, as well as those members of the public who assisted those officers by pointing out where he had gone,” he said.

The man appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody to reappear in October.